In the Beginning There Was Acne

So, I am progressing really well on my natural hair journey and trying to improve the health of my hair, which is growing like a week and is so healthy and soft. I heard that taking Biotin supplements aids in hair growth, so I decided to start taking the pills. I have been taking them for about three weeks now, but cannot tell if they are working or if my hair simply is growing fast on it's own. I have noticed that I have been having breakouts on my cheeks. Normally I get a bump or two before I start each month, but I have been having them on my cheeks as well. I was reading up on the side effects and benefits of biotin. Biotin is said to promote healthy hair and improve:
Brittle Nails
Acne
Diabetes
Eczema
Hair Loss
Mild Depression

The formula I have says on the bottle "For Healthy Skin, Nails, and Hair." My face has started to clear up, so I will continue taking them. I figure if I take them with my multi-vitamin, they can only do good.

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Update as of February 13, 2012

So I stopped taking the Biotin, and my face has finally started clearing up. But that is not before some trial and error. About three weeks ago, I bought Clean & Clear Persa 10 gel. I used it once at night and once in the morning underneath my moisturizer. I did this for three days. Then one morning I woke up with red itchym burning face.  It looked like a hear rash all over my cheeks and chin.  So I knew immediately, that I needed to discontinue using it.  After a week of dry and irritated skin, my face started to clear up.  I have gone back to washing my face with Dove soap for now, and moisturizing with Cocoa Butter which always fades blemish scars.  I'm just going to keep it simple and shampoo my makeup brushes really well. 

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Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Things That Suck and Rock About Natural Hair

Curly Nikki Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Things That Suck and Rock About Natural Hair: by Taneica of ShatterProofGlassDolls Ok, before y’all attempt to tie me up with silk scarves, draw your afro picks and scalp me, hear me o...

Candy Skull Makeup

This Halloween I didn't want to be my normal sexy costumed self. I actually wanted to look like I put forth effort into my costume and didn't just grab a playboy version of a costume. I decided this year I would put my skills to good use and be a Mexican Candy Skull.

It is a rare occasion where I get to be daring and clever with my makeup. I loved how I got to play with different elements for my makeup application. Here's a step-by-step:
I painted my whole face white with Halloween paint. I drew lines on my lip with black Halloween paint, followed by a liquid eyeliner pencil. I outlined my nose, chin, eyes, cheeks and forehead in a pencil and colored in my nose with paint. I used a dark purple pigment on my eyes and chin followed by a lighter more iridescent color on my eyes, nose, chin, and forehead. I then used clear Aurora Borealis sequins and adhered them around my eyes with eyelash glue and also to my cheeks, chin, and a flat back rhinestone to my forehead. I loved it. I even made a purple feather black birdcage veil to go in my hair. I even won an Halloween contest over those sexy vixens. Take that "Mrs. Officer" and "Sexy Pirate".

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Post Big Chop

I big chopped on August 9 down to a one and half inch teeny weeny Afro, also known as TWA. In that time frame, my hair has shown about a 2 and a half in growth. Although I loved how I felt post chop, I wasn't in love with my hair. some of my ends were still straight from the cut, it wasn't long enough to do anything other than a wash and go, and I didn't know what products to use. I have learned a lot in this time frame about how to care for my hair, what products to use, and different styles to try. For the first three months I did a wash and go most days. I would strictly co-wash with a good conditioner, and add a leave in conditioner, and coconut oil and go about my day. On November 11, my husband surprised me with a trip to the salon to get my hair colored. It is now a light reddish brown color. I love it, i felt my hair needed some pizazz. About a week prior to getting my color, my hair had finally gotten long enough to wear in a style other than my TWA. I could wear a headband, and I tried finger coils for the first time. Now it's long enough for a two strand twist. I have been wearing these as my protective styles. I wash once a week and deep condition (dc), then I moisturize and style. I have learned what works good for my hair. I learned that for the most part, if I can readily identify all ingredients, it is a good product. I purchased a shampoo recently by Tropic Isle Living with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Pimento Oil, Aloe Vera, Lavender, Rosemary Extract, Shea Butter, Organic Saponified Oils of Coconut, Olive, Jojoba, Vegetable Gum, Glycerin Extract. It makes my hair feel really soft and hydrated. I also learned that most shampoos have sulfates in them and are not good for keeping natural hair moisturized. I also discovered that after switching conditioners my hair felt really dry, and that was because of certain alcohols in it. I learned that I should stay away from conditioners with alcohols that start with a P in them. Those are the drying alcohols, and the other alcohols are better and more natural, so they are okay. I made my own whipped Shea butter. I bought a one pound tub of raw Shea butter, and added Castor oil, and ISOKE oils by Beautiful Brown Baby Doll. I plan on buying more of her products. So this is my current hair care regimen. We'll see what I am by my birthday in March. I may get yarn braids before the winter is over, but only if I can learn to do them myself.

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Matte's Where It's At!

Trending this fall is the matte finish for nails. There are many colors that come in a matte finish. Among favorites are O.P.I. However, I have a ton of nail polishes and was not sure if I would like the matte finish, but if I ended up loving it, I wasn't going to buy every color in matte finish. SO, Sephora has a matte top coat that works on top of every color. I think it looks really nice on darker colors and the glitter colors. It ends up looking like satin paint. I have tried it on dark blue, dark purple, and deep red. All look great. Also, to make the nails POP, you can try added designs on top with regular nail polish. I had blue matte nails, and added clear polka dots.
(picture courtesy of shestayfabulous.com)

On another note, I really like the O.P.I. website. The site is interactive and has a Try On This Color tab. you can change nail lengths, skin shade, and try on any shade. Also, Nicki Minaj has a line of colors out. So step out of your nail box this season.

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Many Apologies

I owe everyone a big apology. I have not been a consistent blogger, and we know all blogs are more successful when shown consistency. I have decided to go a different direction. I am no longer going to solely blog about makeup. I am going to blog about all of the things I enjoy doing. I enjoy cooking and trying out different recipes, I love makeup, and making jewelry. I love art of all kinds and crafts and pretty much anything that is a DIY project. I love my hair and love sharing my personal hair experience. So from now on, I will have whatever interests me that day. I do, however, promise consistency.

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The Traveling Makeup Counter

I just recently went on a trip with my husband for our anniversary. I wanted badly to pack everything my heart desired, but I'm trying this whole "pack light" thing. I find that it is also difficult to pack makeup, because I want to pack all my makeup. So here are just a few tips to pack light:

1. Look through your makeup and pick out the products that you notice you use on a daily basis. These are  
    your beauty staples. My staples include eye and face primer, my brush roll, black mascara, my Sephora liquid eyeliner, peach gloss, brown eyeshadow for my eyebrows, a brow highlight color (a pearlescent colored eyeshadow), and a neutral palette with bronzes, and golds.

2. Look at the outfits you are taking. Do you have mostly casual clothes? Some dressier nighttime outfits? Pack a set a day makeup and evening makeup. Most people use darker more dramatic colors for the evening and stay more neutral in the day. If this is you, then pack a couple of lipsticks that you would wear in the evening, perhaps your bolder colors. Also if you like the darker/ smoky eyes in the evening, add a couple of those colors to your makeup kit.

3. If you will be around water, make sure you pack your makeup with SPF and some waterproof eyeliner and mascara.

4. Finally, don't forget your cleanser and moisturizer. If you will be away from home in a different climate make sure you pack a couple of different moisturizers. In colder climates, you will want a heavier moisturizer and a lighter moisturizer with SPF for the warmer/sunnier climates.

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Confessions of A Makeupolic

It's been a long time, but I promise I will get back to blogging on a regular basis. The purpose of my post today is simply to vent. There are a lot of women like myself who LOVE makeup as much as I do, maybe even more than I do. Some of these women do really well on their own makeup and others do well doing others makeup. However, just because you own a lot of makeup and love doing your own makeup, does not, I repeat, DOES NOT....make you a makeup artist. There are certain techniques that you may use on yourself that work for you (or don't work, but you are still satisfied with how you look everyday). Just because these techniques work for you and your face structure, does not mean you can use this same technique on others. It is even worse, doing someone's makeup who does not usually wear any. There is such a thing as subtle beauty. People have to work themselves up to bright colors and dramatic applications (please refer to my Electric Eel post). If I have said it once, I have said it a million billion trillion times before, it does not matter where you buy your makeup, whether its name brand, or no brand, but the right set of brushes is essential for a flawless makeup application. If you are still using the sponge tip applicator that came with your makeup.......throw them out. Buy a set of starter brushes, until you get some really nice brushes. Just buy brushes and stop using a sponge to apply makeup. Even if you do others makeup and you want something hygienic and disposable, use disposable lip stick and lip gloss applicators and mascara brushes, but buy brushes, and clean them on a regular basis using baby shampoo and let them air dry. I witnessed someone disrespect someones face recently in the disguise of a favor. I could tell the one on the receiving end of that sponge tip applicator was not happy. I had to have a side note with them and tell them, while they are still beautiful, don't make the mistake of letting anyone do their makeup. Sometimes, when you look at someones makeup, you are actually looking at a canvas. Just as a true artist, this canvas shows what type of artist and skill this person has. Though art is open for interpretation, there are still basic rules true artists follow. Please know where your skill lies, and if you are not working to improve that skill, leave the makeovers to the professionals.

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Makeover Maven: Natural Look

Today I present my first makeover. I did the makeover on a friend of mine, thank you Trakina! She does not wear much makeup, so I went for a more natural look for her. For this makeover I used all MAC products unless otherwise indicated. Trakina started off with no makeup, per my request. I primed her face with a mist of MAC's Fix+ Spray.

 I then dusted her face with Medium Deep Mineralize Skinfinish Powder using my 187 Duo Fibre Brush. I then used a small amount of Matte Creme` along her nose, under her eyes, and above her browline.

I then used Urban Decay Primer Potion all over her lid.

I sprayed my 242 Shader Brush with the Fix+ Spray and started the eyes by dipping the brush in Tan Pigment and using it on the bottom half of the eyelid. I then used my 224 Tapered Blending Brush and swirled it in Mulch eyeshadow and used it in the crease up to the brow. I used a generic fluff eyeshadow brush and dusted it in Expensive pink on the outer half of the lower lid. I used the lightest color in my LORAC Little Black Palette (upper left corner) with a 228 Mini Shader Brush as a highlight (right below the eye brow). I filled in her eyebrows with a 263 Angle Brush and Brun eyeshadow, and brushed them with an eyebrow brush. I used Sephora liquid eyeliner in Black. I finished her look with her own CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara in the yellow tube.

On Trakina's cheeks I used Stark Naked beauty powder brush (discontinued limited edition) with a fluffy blush brush.

Her lips were done in Lychee Luxe Lipglass with Now In Season LipGelee in the pout.

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Smeared

I'm not sure why this is the case, but after wearing makeup for more than a decade, I still forget that I have it on sometimes. Much of the year, my eyes bother me from allergies. They itch or water. Sometimes without thinking, I just haphazardly rub my eyes and go on about my business. Then I look in the mirror in shock when I realize that my mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow is smeared everywhere. Note to self: "You wear makeup. Remember this. Don't rub your eyes. It makes you look like an arse."

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Dealing with the Big Chop

I am slowly getting used to the short kinky curly/coily 'fro. It is growing on me, and I am learning what products and routine work best for my hair. I have a different texture that I originally thought I had. But after relaxing my hair most of my life, what did I expect. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from it, and as I said before, I am happy about the change. I cannot wait until it starts growing out so I can start to style it different ways. I figure by next summer I will have a good amout to work with. It's a very easy style to work with right now. I can just wash/condition and go. I have been co-washing since I got it cut last Tuesday. Co-washing is a method of only washing the hair with a conditioner. Shampoo tends to strip the hair of natural oils and with the texture of hair I have, I cannot afford to lose any moisture. So I wash my hair with conditioner in the shower, apply a leave in conditioner, and coconut oil. It seems to work good leaving my hair soft and somewhat shiny and healthy. I initially decided to go natural becuase for about 6 years I have been dealing with Psoriasis, which is a skin condition that results in inflamed patches on the epidermis. I am lucky to only have it in my scalp, because some have it all over their skin. I knew the chemicals I was processing my hair with only made the condition worse. I got my last relaxer in February of this year and I have noticed an improvement. It isn't completely gone, but it has improved tremendously. I have especially noticed an improvement in the condition since I cut it and have been washing it more often. So I will keep you guys updated (all three of you, lol) on my natural journey.

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Painting on a Matte Canvas

I discovered a new product this week that I just had to share with you all. I was perusing the MAC counter to see what I could add to my arsenal. I bought my favorite item that I must keep on hand at all times, M.A.C. Clear Lipglass. This makes your lips look shiny and wet, and it does not come off or evaporate easily. I love this stuff and have sworn by it for years. I have tried other clear glosses, but nothing comes close when it comes to shine or longevity. It looks great alone, with colored lip gloss or lipstick.

I also bought a tube of M.A.C.'s Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Full Speed and M.A.C.'s Lipglass in Lychee Luxe. I love pinky corals, and cannot help myself. They even look great together.

But let's get to the actual topic of discussion. I have combination skin with much of my oil along my T-Zone (the area of your face that includes the nose, bridge of nose, forehead and chin). It is a struggle to make it through the day without having to blot this area from all the shine that I have accumulated. The main purpose of my trip was to get M.A.C.'s Matte Cream. It feels like a primer, but as soon as I applied to to my nose, instantly I saw the shine disappear and replaced with a soft finish. This can be used under your makeup after your moisturizer. I can be used as a no-shine primer and gives you a great even canvas to paint on. You can also use it on top of your makeup. I wore it all day yesterday and did not have to wipe the oil off of my face. It's $19 for 25ML container (about the size of a large lip gloss tube) but it it worth it and a little goes a long way.

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The BIG CHOP (can't beleive it's gone)

I did something very drastic yesterday. Something very out of character for me, or so it seems. Guess my character is different than I thought. In March I decided to start growing my relaxed hair for more natural hair. It's been difficult. I've been wearing braids all summer and my hair has grown out a lot. I finally took the braids out and have been wearing it in the braid set, just loose and free, but I've been so tired of what it looks like after I wash it. The roots and soft and kinky, and the ends are long, stringy, and straight. So yesterday I went to my stylist and had her cut it all off. Yep, that's right. I did the big chop. I feel good about it. I feel free. I can go workout, I can walk in the rain, go swimming, drive my convertible with the top down. When I saw myself yesterday, I looked so different. I've had really short hair before, but it's always been relaxed. So this will be an adjustment. My husband thinks it's kind of sexy. I'm going to color it next week. Now, I'm on my way to growing out natural healthy hair. I will keep you updated.

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Eyebrow Mistakes that we make

There are many eyebrows faux pas that come to mind when I look at different women around me. Eyebrows, if done correctly frame the face and compliment. If done incorrectly, that's all you see. These are just a few of faux pas that can been seen on a regular day.

1. Over arched drawn on brows.

Eyebrows should not be part of your hairline. These are too thin, and way too high. No one should look surprised all the time.

2. Someone women do not believe in eye brow arching, but arching your brows cleans up the face and makes you look neater.

3. Unibrows- If you own a unibrow, its okay to pluck that middle area. Nothing like seeing a single brow at work.

4.Some eyebrows are better than no eyebrows. If you mess up, fill them in with a dark shadow and an eyebrow brush until they grow out.

SO, don't overgroom or undergroom your eyebrows. They are very important. Keep them neat and symmetrical. Make sure they color isn't too harsh. When plucking or tweezing, make sure they follow the natural arch of the brow by lining up the inside with the nostril flare, and the outside from the nostril flare to right past your eye.

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Mommy Makeover

I was thinking of something fun to do with my daughter that did not require us to get out in 112 degree weather today. I told her later she could give me a makeover.
daughter:"Yea!!!! Can you put real makeup on you?"

me:"Yes baby, you can put real makeup on me."

daughter: "OOH, I'm gonna make you beautiful and greasy like Beyonce."

me:"Greasy? (lol)"

daughter: "Yea, she's always really greasy. I'm gonna rub baby oil all on your face and legs."

me:" No, that's okay. I think we're out of baby oil."

This should be very interesting. I've never had a makeover by children before. I can just imagine, lots of eyeshadow; crazy, colorful eyeshadow. It won't be symmetrical at all. I'm not even sure if she will use the same colors on both eyes. Blush will be every where. Will it reach the apples, maybe. Who knows. Lipstick may be a challenge that I cannot relinquish control. We may have to try clear lip gloss. She won't be using any mascara on me, I need my vision when it's all done. I will be posting pics this evening or tomorrow. Wish me luck.

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Eyeliner Can Be Your Friend or Be Your Foe

Eyeliner can make or break your entire makeup look. I'll be honest, when I first started doing my makeup I was horrible at eyeliner. I didn't have a very steady hand and I could never get close enough to my lashline to make it look natural. The way I overcame this, was by starting with an angled brush like M.A.C.'s 263 Angle Brush ( I own three) and using eyeshadow. This worked out better for me. I could use different color eye shadows as my eyeliner and it didn't take an incredibly steady hand for this. After a while, I started using the eye kohl pencils, and now I use both methods. I now also use M.A.C.'s 210 Precise Eye liner Brush dipped in M.A.C.'s Paint Pot in Blackground, or Sephora's Long Lasting Eye Liner. I love the Sephora brand, because it comes ready to use with its own resealable flocked tip applicator that does not bend easily. What you want to avoid when applying eyeliner, is a thick line. This ages you and does not look natural. It also doesn't give you room to correct if you mess up.Apply to the top and lower eyelid. Be careful when applying to the inside corners, you want this area to be the thinnest line. When applying, it may be helpful to pull the corner of the eye taught to make it easier to apply without gaps in unevenness. Don't start in the middle of your eyelid, start from the corner. To set your eyeliner when using a pencil, go over it in the same color eyeshadow. I like using liquid on the top lash and eye pencil/eyeshadow combo on the lower lash line. I also use a smudger brush sometimes for a little bit of a smokey look like this.

Makeup Don't

Makeup Do

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Teenage Girls Love Makeup

Teenage girls love makeup. We know this. School is starting soon, and if she hasn't already asked if she can wear makeup, she probably will soon. The issue I had as a teen, was that I wasn't allowed to wear makeup, so when I got to school I applied it. I had different odds and ends of makeup that me and my friends would share and we used it incorrectly. We applied it, but it wasn't flattering for us. If she wants to wear makeup, she's going to wear it with or without your permission. The thing is, do you want her looking older than she should by applying to much or using the wrong colors?  Or would you rather allow her to wear makeup, and make sure she has the right colors and techniques? Teenage girls are already beautiful and they have youth on their side. We don't want to over power their face with more foundation than they need or harsh colors.

Here are a few tips that will help your teenage girl look like a teenage girl.

1. Get your daughters eyebrows arched. You would be surprised by how much this cleans up the face. Make sure you stick with the natural arch of the brow and maintain their thickness.

2. A light dusting of mineral powder is all that is needed. Use a duo fiber brush to lightly apply. This will take the sheen off the face and give balance.

3. Use a light natural color blush. You want her cheeks to have a healthy glow. Apply on the apples and follow the natural bone structure of the cheeks.

4. If you want her to wear eyeshadow, keep it neutral. Light brown's, and beige's. Sheer colors, nothing too dark. Your eyes tell your true age, and if they are masked by heavy eye makeup, she could appear older than she is ready for.

5. Apply a coat of mascara to the upper and lower lash. This will add some depth to the eyes, without having to add an eyeliner.

6. Add a sheer gloss to finish the look.

Starting with the right makeup foundation will be helpful for her to maintain throughout her life. When you start wrong, you more than likely make the same beauty mistakes for the rest of your life. We want to compliment her youthful face, not cover it.

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Mixdup Makeup Before and After

Just so you guys can see the colors and products I use, I am considering doing a weekly (fingers crossed) before and after, where I feature someone before I add any products at all, and then how they look after I give them the selected look. Some people do not feel they need makeup, and while all of you ladies are already beautiful, beauty can be enhanced by adding just a few things to your facial wardrobe. Let me know your thoughts.

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Barefaced Syndrome

Occasionally, I go without makeup. I don't really like to, but doesn't everyone have a lazy day? I wake up on some mornings, and I'm just really not feelin' it. So, on to work I go, bare faced. The funny thing about me not wearing makeup, is that I always pack my makeup kit with me just in case I decide to apply it later in the day. Anywhoo, I dislike going without makeup because I get comments from people like:
"Are you feeling okay?"
or
"You look sick."
or
" You must be tired."
I hate comments like that, because I'm like, "wow, thanks. I feel great, but thanks for asking." So, when at all possible I at least try to add mascara and gloss. I also try to wear makeup when I'm having a bad hair day or when I actually am sick. It makes me feel better that I look better than I feel, or possibly take the focus off of my coif. All in all, I just try to avoid the barefaced syndrome.


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Free Makeup for Airport Security

A few years ago my husband and I (who was actually still my boyfriend) took a family trip to L.A. for his step sisters wedding. We flew out a day before both his parents and sister and her husband flew out. My plan was to do my makeup on the plane. I had my good makeup in a carry on case, and my not so great makeup in my suitcase. We were moving right along through security checkpoint and waited for about half an hour before we boarded the plane. Once we got on the plane and the cabin was secure, I decided to start on my makeup. I look through my purse. Then I look again. and again. and again. I asked my husband if he had seen my makeup. "Um, It was in your hand earlier. What did you do with it?" was his response. An alarm goes off in my head, a very loud tornado siren! It's saying Security, Security. This is how the conversation may have went:
me: Babe, I left my makeup at the security checkpoint (tears in my eyes)!
him: Are you sure? Maybe you left it in the seat at the gate.
me: No, I forgot it!
him: Did you leave it in the gift shop?
me: Maybe. I don't know. I've got to go get it (beads of sweat)!
him: They won't let you off the plane. I'll just buy you some more when we get to L.A.
me: BUY ME SOME MORE? YOU'RE JUST GONNA BUY ME OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF M.A.C. MAKEUP? JUST LIKE THAT? Do you know how long it took me to buy that amount of makeup and brushes? Some of that was limited edition stuff. It's irreplaceable (tears rolling).
him: You paid that much for makeup!
By the time we reached our layover in Phoenix, I was hyperventilating. I needed my arsenal. I called the airport gate and asked if they found it. No luck. I called the gift shop and asked if they found it. No luck. I called TSA and asked if they found it.
TSA: Is it a green plaid case with makeup inside?
me: YES, YES, YES! Please hold it for me.
My brilliant boyfriend reminds me that his parents are coming the next day and could pick it up and bring it with them. Genius! So I only had to go one night without the good stuff. My in laws met us the next morning with my cosmetics, and my life wasn't over. See, and you thought happy endings only happened in massage parlors Fairy Tales!

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Tiffniffy

My baby sister is going to be so excited because this post is about her. I like to think that I am a major contributing factor for my sister Tiffany's love for makeup. She grew up in California, and I'm sure for as along as she can remember, when I would come and visit, my arsenal of makeup wasn't too far behind. She would watch me do my makeup and ask to use what I brought and I would experiment on her. Every time I would visit, her makeup collection would be bigger than the last time I saw her. Tiffany has by far surpassed my skill as an artist. She uses makeup as a true form of art and has perfected blending and has fabulous use of color. Love you Tiffniffy!

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How to Stay Fly in the Heat

I don't know where you guys live, but I live in Oklahoma. We have had more than 30 days of three digit weather. It's hot, and I don't want any heavy makeup on my face. It's not a good look when you have been perspiring either. So, if I do wear a foundation I make sure it's a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Philosophy's Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer light formula is great to look great in spite of the heat, and it's good for your skin too.

Occasionally, when I'm out and about, I like for my face to feel refreshed. It's really hard, especially when running errands in the heat. I keep my makeup looking fresh by spraying a mist of Evian Mineral Water Spray. It hydrates the skin, and actually makes your makeup look good throughout the day, not to mention, it feels....so.....gooood.. This is one of the gifts I had for my bridesmaids because they are the perfect size to drop in your purse.

These products, along with a dust of mineral bronzer or blush, some mascara, and some tinted gloss, you will not have a problem staying gorgeous in this weather.

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Makeup Toddlers

This is for the beginners. You want to know how to transition from wearing hardly any makeup to trying out a few things, right? First things first....you need a set of good starter brushes. If you already have some you are on your way. Sephora has a really good set for beginners. They include all of your standard brushes (powder, concealer, pointed eye crease, flat eyeliner, eye blending, and smudge brush) for $48.

For a basic everyday look, start with a nice everyday lip color. I love glosses and usually stay in the pink/peach/coral family. Try one of MAC's lipglasses in VIVA Glam or Lychee Luxe Tinted Lipglass.


For your eyes, try MAC's Pigment in Naked . Use this all over your lid. It'sbeige with pearl reflects. Urban Decay also has a Naked Palette. It's a good starter kit that comes with 12 nuetral and flattering shades, potion primer, and a brush for $48 at Sephora. Finish off with Sephora Brand mascara, it does not flake and they have different formula's to lengthen and curl.
I found a great blush at Sephora by NARS in Orgasm or Super Orgasm. It's a great color for most.
These are beauty basics and should get you started on trying out different looks without over doing it.

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Random Memory

I just had a sudden random memory. When my son was two I was doing my makeup in my bedroom. I left to do something and left my makeup on the bed. When I came back, my son had taken my red lipstick and colored on the mirror, the wall, the comforter, and himself.

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Not an Artist

I love doing my own makeup and I love doing makeup for others, Most of the Time! I remember two years ago when I was planning my wedding, I was looking for a makeup artist. I wasn't sure if it was going to be in my budget, but I hired someone in advance. After looking at my expenses, I decided to cancel her services. Two weeks before the wedding my husband said he would pay for the makeup artist, but she never returned my calls. Although I was capable of doing my own makeup, I knew that if I did mine the day of the wedding, I would end up doing several faces that day. I'm sure you can figure out the rest. I did my makeup, my sister's makeup, a few touch ups, and my stepdaughters makeup. I loved it though. It was like a girls day. I was a little stressed because we were behind schedule, but it was still a great day. My makeup looked as great if someone else had done it, and everyone looked gorgeous. Makeup is my pick me up.

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Makeup Mishaps

There are not many things that just irk me, but sometimes I see people with makeup mishaps that really need my help. The biggest mishap is the dreaded line of demarcation. This is where there is an obvious line where your foundation stops and your true skin tone starts. Please make sure you are using the correct color for your face, and that you Blend Blend Blend. The best way to avoid a foundation that simply does not match, is to go to a department store that allows you to try on the foundation before you purchase it. Most will even send you home with a sample. Before you purchase, make sure you see your face in natural sunlight. You may also need different colors in the summer and winter because your skin tone does change.
The second makeup mishap is all over eyeshadow. The worst thing you can do, is place a single color all over your eyelid, ALONE! Your purple eyeshadow should not be applied from the lash line to the brow line. Big no no. Instead, try the color at the base of the eyelid, use a darker complimenting color in your crease, and a lighter color as your highlighter under the brow.
The third mishap would be the obvious colored lip liner. This is done wrong when you have a shade of lipstick or lipgloss that is not complimented by the liner. For example, burgundy liner does not look good with red lipstick. Instead, try a nude liner so the lipstick does not feather. You could also try a colored liner all over your lips and adding gloss. This makes for a long wearing lip color.
The last makeup mishap would be overdone colors. Just because your outfit is pink, does not mean that your eyeshadow, blush, and lip shade should be. Try focusing on one color that compliments your attire. If your focus is lip color, tone down the eyeshadow and blush. If your focus is eyes, then wear a nude color or sheer gloss.

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SummerGlow

I know the summer is nearly over, but there are several products that I think are great picks for the summer to give you a nice rich glow. I have posted these previously on my Facebook page.
1. MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in SemiPrecious Goldstone $28. This product is a limited edition, so if you want it, buy it now. This looks great on cheeks and forehead for a nice sunkissed glow. I use a MAC Duo Fiber brush to apply.


2. MAC's Skinsheen Leg Spray , $26.50 is a gel bronzer, that comes out of an aerosol can in a mousse like consistency. I used a large kabuki brush to apply. Once it dries, it does not come off on clothes or furniture. It gives you a really nice tanned color, very natural. This product is a limited edition come back, that I discovered a few years ago. I have loved it every since.

3. MAC Pigment in Tan, $19.50, is a muted pinky bronze color. I love this color, especially when applied wet. I think it looks good on most individuals I have tried it out on.


4. Lorac's Oil Free Luminzer in Gold L2, $28. The trick with this product is, a little goes a very long way. I use barely a squirt and mix it with my F.A.B. moisturizer and apply to my cheeks and nose. Instant glow.

5.NARS Body Illuminator in Laguna, $45, is a 5.5oz body bronzer that can be used from head to toe. Has gold pigment in it for a subtle shimmer and does not come off on clothing.

6. Lorac's Little Black Palette, $33. Ummm, enough said. Just kidding, this palette comes with 4 baked colors and a primer.


So those are my favorite products this summer and I have used them all frequently.

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How to Wear Pigs

Pigments (Pigs) are a material that changes the color of reflected or transmitted light. I love, love, love pigments. They can be used for so many things. I prefer MAC pigments and  I have put some in clear nail polish to make a fantabulous color, I've added them to ligloss, but most commonly I have worn them as eye shadow or eye liner. Let me break it down for you. There are two ways to wear pigments. The first way is the easiest way. Just knock a little onto your hand or a clean surface and let your brush do the work. The second way is my personal preference. I use MAC's mixing medium (I'm not sure if it available anymore,  if it is, it's a professional product not available to regular consumers) or MAC's Fix+ Spray. I usually spray my brush with the Fix+ spray and dip my brush into the pigment. The result is a highly pigmented color that does not crease and stays put all day. In addition, the color is much more brilliant than the dry option. I recommend you try this method if you have not tried it before.

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FAB Face

In May I started using a set of products by First Aid Beauty from Sephora. The full size kit included a 5oz Face Cleanser ($18). The cleanser is great because it doesn't feel harsh when you wash with it. It has the texture of lotion, and when you add water it's creamy and soothing. It also came with Facial Radiance Pads ($28 for 60 pads). I like these because they are a gentle exfoliant and act as a skin brightener. I have noticed a difference since using them. Usually my skin looks dry and ashy in the summer from sun damage, but my skin has not been peeling, and looks bright and healthy. Also included in the kit was a 6oz Daily Repair Cream ($28). The formula is very nice because it does not make my face feel oily but it feels well conditioned after I use it. I use this twice daily, before bed and in the mornings. Overall, once my product is gone, I will get another kit. That's how much I like it. When I was in Sephora I asked for something that would make my skin more radiant, and this is what was suggested to me. I paid $35 for the full size kit, although I'm not sure if it is available anymore. But they do have a full line of products available through Sephora and F.A.B..


On another note, moisturizing your face is essential to keeping your face looking FAB. Moisturize your face nightly and in the morning, and make sure your moisturizer has SPF in it. Don't forget your neck. You don't want a 20 year old face with a 50 year old neck. Remove your makeup nightly, if you don't, you age your face by 7 days every time you sleep in your makeup.

Also, for makeup removal, I love M.A.C.'s Cleanse Off Oil. I have been using this for about three years and it has not failed me yet. It removes even the hardest makeups.
It comes in a pump style bottle and a squirt is all you need. It has an oily texture until you add water, then it becomes a milky emulsifier. All in all, these products have become staples in my beauty cabinet.

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How I prepared for Electric Eel...

I have always been fascinated with beauty products. How could I not? I was raised by a woman who sold AVON for years. I loved when her orders would come in. It was like Christmas every other week. I would sneak into the cabinets to look at and sample all the makeup. On special occasions she would make me so pretty with tinted lipgloss and blush. Ahhh, my first love; makeup!

I was pretty simple with makeup at first. I wanted all the new lipgloss scents; Cherry, Bubblegum, Grape, Strawberry, Chocolate. I loved it all. That's about as fancy as it got as an elementary girl. By the time I reached junior high, I wasn't allowed to wear makeup, but would sneak it on after I got on the bus, and made sure it was off when I returned back home. That was nothing though. Just some mood lipstick that turned an awful shade of pink.

But wait.....In high school, which at this time was about 1996, I got really fancy. I started wearing gold lipstick with brown lip liner. You couldn't tell me anything. I was foine!!! Such a disaster. I didn't have a clue. I knew I wanted to wear makeup, but I didn't know where to start. I had been programmed that Black women didn't wear bright colored eye shadows, and we looked better in neutral colors. So I kept my neutral colors until I graduated high school in 1999. That is when my eyes were opened to so much more.

As a graduation gift, my mother took me on a shopping spree. She let me pick out whatever I wanted and she bought it for me. I got shoes, purses, jewelry, clothes, but the best thing was my first trip to M.A.C.!!!! I had never seen so much makeup in so many BEAUTIFUL colors in my life. I was instantly excited. I had my face done by the woman who taught me so much, Little Rock. That is the only name I know her by, but I think she still works for MAC as a beauty trainer on the corporate level. When I met her she was wearing Electric Eel eyeshadow, the most lovely shade of turquoise blue. But hold up, I was sooooo not there yet! So, I started simple. I got Tanarama lipstick, Amber Lights eyeshadow (e/s), Goldmine e/s, carbon e/s, black mascara, cork lip liner, and Margin blush. I also learned that the key to good makeup application is a great brush. So I got a #40 large fluff brush, a #266 angle brush, and a #213 fluff brush. That's when my obsession started. I went back nearly every month and added something new to my collection, trying out different colors and looks, and techniques.

After a couple of years of purchasing nothing but MAC makeup, I had quite the collection of makeup and brushes. I started playing around on friends, not because I was a fantastic artist at this point, but because I had pretty much any color, and if I didn't have it, could blend to create it.

It wasn't long after graduating high school, maybe two years, that I was ready for Electric Eel, as well as other bright hot colors. So I thank Little Rock, my makeup artist mentor, for showing me my full potential. She took me from a plain girl who only wanted neutrals, to being outgoing in my makeup personality.

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